As per the details available with the district control room till Thursday evening, five houses were destroyed and 100 others were damaged in the district. “Three houses were fully destroyed and 30 houses were damaged in Edathua, Thalavady and other parts of Kuttanad taluk after uprooted trees and branches fell on them. One house (each) was destroyed in Ambalappuzha and Cherthala. Trees fell on various houses, vehicles and government offices too,” said officials. From Wednesday evening, Alappuzha has been witnessing heavy rain and strong wind. Collector said that last year, Chengannur and Kuttanad were engulfed in flood and water levels in various rivers were being monitored here following heavy downpour in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta. “We have taken all precautionary measures to deal with any emergency. If needed, relief camps will be opened,” said the collector. To ensure smooth flow of water from Kuttanad into the Arabian Sea, irrigation department has opened 10 shutters of Thottappally spillway.